The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I answer on behalf of the Minister.

¶ 02 Thank you, Hon. Hesha Withanage, for the question. This is a longstanding issue involving “past liabilities”.

¶ 03 (a)(i) Yes, we are aware.

¶ 04 (ii) First, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation; subsequently, the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL).

¶ 05 (iii) As at 31.07.2025, Rs. 244,450,000 is payable.

¶ 06 (iv) Since 2016, six rounds of discussions have been held with participation of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, CPSTL and the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation. The Ministry of Industries has pursued cabinet decisions and submissions since 2016. However, due to a land ownership issue over approximately six acres comprising the fuel storage tanks, pipeline and related facilities at Kankesanthurai, payments due for the 2010-2015 period were withheld by CPSTL, pending resolution. Notwithstanding, as the tanks and pipeline were constructed by the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation, CPSTL should make payment for their use. Following the assumption of office by the present Government, this inter-institutional issue was lower on the priority list. On 24.09.2025, a meeting chaired by our Secretary was convened to determine a resolution pathway. We have no intention of foregoing recovery of the dues.

¶ 07 (b) Not applicable.